ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OP CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 
1879, BY THE NEW YORK SANITARY COMPANY, IN THE OFFICE OF 
THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, WASHINGTON, D. C. 


PERFECT PRESERVATION 


OF THE IDE^ID 


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SANITARY 






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NEW YORK SANITARY COMPANY, 
No. 120 East 28th Street, 

A . - , ’> ^ .. ' /. . ‘ ./ /yc^v- As ^>-. * 

NEW YORK CITY. 






Special Edition for Undertakers, 


CONTENTS TABLE. 


History of Dr. Dodgers’ Experiments . page 1 

The First Success. “ 2 

Dr. W. Ayers’ Testimony. “ 3 

Opinion of the Scientific Press. “ 4 

Success in St. Louis and New York. “ 5 

Severe Tests and no Failure. “ 6 

Dr. Rodgers’ Latest Discovery. “ 7 

The New Y t ork Sanitary Company.. “ 8 

Important Letters. “ 9 

The Perfect Preservative Fluid. “ 11 

What it will Do. “ 12 

How it is Applied. “ 13 

Why it is Useful. “ 14 

How to Obtain it.. . “ 15 

Articles Required. “ 16 


REFERENCES 

As to tlie business standing of the N. Y. Sanitary Co. f 
Ex-Gov. Frank Fuller, Windsor Hotel, New York City. 

Haggerty Brothers, Druggists’ Glass Ware, 11 Platt St., 
New York City, 

Trow & Co., Printing and Binding, 209 East 12tli Street, 
New York City. 

The following gentlemen are using the Perfect Pre¬ 
servative Fluid in their business, and can be referred to 
concerning its practical utility : 

Stephen Merritt, Undertaker, 210 8th Avenue, N. Y. City. 

John Bennett, Undertaker, 127 Division Avenue, Brook¬ 
lyn, E. D., N. Y. 

M. E. Springer, Undertaker, Englewood, N. J. 

Wm. H. Yeitch, Undertaker, Yonkers, New York.- 




















A BRIEF HISTORY 

OF THE 

Experiments of Dr. Samuel Rodgers, 

AND THE SUCCESS OF HIS DISCOVERIES. 


some tnree or four years ago Dr. Samuel Bodgers, re¬ 
siding on his farm in one of the most beautiful but se¬ 
cluded spots in California, was diligently at work ex¬ 
perimenting in a branch of science which had always 
been his favorite—chemistry. He believed it possible to 
discover a principle or combination by which the highly 
organized tissues of animals could be preserved from the 
putrefactive changes which ordinarily soon follow death, 
and preserved too in a condition to be tit for human 
food. He is still working upon this problem with much 
hope of success. It was during his earlier experimenta¬ 
tion that he discovered that it was possible to preserve 
large masses of flesh by the surface application of a cer¬ 
tain combination of wonderful penetrative and antisep¬ 
tic powers. Inasmuch as it was not without both dis¬ 
tinct taste and smell, it would not serve his original pur¬ 
pose, but its practical utility and sanitary value he 
quickly appreciated, and knowing the long-felt want of 
such a preparation to effectually and readily preserve 
human bodies after death, he forthwith visited San Fran¬ 
cisco and proclaimed his discovery to the world in the 
spring of 1877. As almost all valuable discoveries are 
flrst met by doubt and opposition in proportion to 



2 


THE FIRST SUCCESS. 


their value, so Dr. Rodgers found people slow to credit 
his statements. We are not surprised at this when we 
remember our own incredulity on first hearing of the 
claims made by him for his discovery. 

Following doubt and opposition came thorough in¬ 
vestigation, for the Doctor’s stubbornness would not per¬ 
mit him to be driven back to his farm without a chance 
to demonstrate beyond the shadow of a doubt that his 
discovery would do all that he had asserted. Knowing 
that he was right he pushed ahead, though at considera¬ 
ble loss to himself. One of his first demonstrations was 
upon the body of a Swede, Andrew Brown, to which, on 
the third of April, 1877, Dr. Rodgers applied his fluid. 
This body was from time to time viewed by editors, sci¬ 
entists and physicians. 

May 19, 1877, Dr. Rodgers received the following grati¬ 
fying certificate from Dr. Titus, Ex-Resident Physician 
of State Insane Asylum at Stockton : 

San Francisco, May 17, 1877. 

This certifies that the body of Andrew Brown, a Swede, 
who died on the 3d of April, 1877, was submitted to Dr. 
S. Rodgers, for the purpose of preserving the same, and 
that up to this date the body is in a complete state of 
preservation. The process has proven for the period of 
seven weeks to be perfectly antiseptic in its action, also 
a perfect disinfectant in its effect, as there is absolutely 
no odor or fetor emanating from the body. I have in¬ 
spected the body at different periods since the applica¬ 
tion was made, and I am convinced that, for the purpose 
of preserving bodies for transportation to the East, 
or Europe, this discovery merits the attention of the 
public, and especially of all professional gentlemen. 
For preserving bodies for anatomical purposes, when not 
needed for immediate use, I believe that the process 
keeps them in better state, and is far superior to any 
method practiced in the different medical colleges as pub¬ 
lished or is now known to any anatomists. 

L. S. TITUS, M. D. 


ITS SANITARY IMPORTANCE. 


3 


Still later the following testimonial was written by the 
then President of the California State Medical Society : 

San Feancisco, June 1, 1877. 

Db. Samuel Rodgees : 

Dear Sir: I most cheerfully certify that I have 'exam¬ 
ined the body of a Swede, embalmed by you. 

On the 60th day from the date of embalming, I gave 
the body a careful examination, and I was unable to de¬ 
tect the slightest indication of decomposition. I found 
the limbs flexible as in life, and the muscles soft and 
free from oedema. 

As your method may become of vital importance to 
the public, I think it should early engage the attention 
of scientists to determine its real value. Besides pre¬ 
serving the body from putrefaction, I feel confident that 
all germs of contagious disease, of whatever nature, will 
be destroyed, and that all spores will be devitalized and 
forever disappear from the cadaver ; and if the chemicals 
used can be obtained at so moderate a price that they 
can be applied to all bodies prior to interment, no grave¬ 
yards in future may be pointed at as a source from 
which epidemics can possibly arise or disease be nour¬ 
ished. Very Respectfuly, 

WASHINGTON AYER, M. D. 

The San Francisco press spoke in high terms of this 
“Wonderful Science,” “Important Discovery.” We 
have not space to quote all they said, but we must make 
room for the following extracts from papers that speak 
“ as one having authority ” : 

THE PEESEEVATION OF THE DEAD. 

[F rom the Pacific Medical and Suegical Jouenal, 1877.] 

On our pages is an announcement of a method of pre¬ 
serving the dead body, to the substance of which we de¬ 
sire to call attention, because we deem it worthy of pub¬ 
lic notice in a sanitary point of view. We have examined 
with care a body preserved by the process in question. 
The surface is left entire, and the antiseptic liquid ap¬ 
pears to be absorbed so as effectually to preserve from 


4 


A SIMPLE, RAPID, EASY PROCESS. 


decomposition not only the muscular tissues hut the vis¬ 
cera themselves. If the decomposition of a dead body 
can be effectually prevented by the simple application of 
a liquid, the discovery can shut out entirely all damage 
to the public health from emanations from the bodies of 
the dead, either in the house, or at funerals, or at the 
cemeteries. In our Southern cities, during the preva¬ 
lence of yellow fever, where speedy sepulture may be 
impossible, all risk of evil from delay might be averted 
through this means. In thus referring to the subject, w r e 
have in view no other interest than what concerns the 
public health, and the advantages which may arise from 
the transportation of dead bodies. 

[From the S. Eran. Scientific Press, May 26, 1877. ] 

Dr. Samuel Rodgers, of this city, has made a discovery 
which is of great interest to science, and to the medical 
profession in particular ; and which is destined to effect 
an entire change in the present system of embalming or 
preserving the bodies of the dead. All the methods 
hitherto in vogue, although varying slightly in detail, 
depend on the injection of preservative chemicals into 
the veins or arteries. Although this in a measure an¬ 
swered the purpose, it is not entirely successful, as the 
features were liable to change or discoloration, the meth¬ 
od expensive and its success greatly dependent upon the 
skill of the operator. 

We examined a subject last week, some 50 days after 
death ; there was no sign of decomposition apparent. 
There was no odor whatever, and the limbs and joints 
are as pliable as when in life. The solution applied to 
the body passes in by the law of endosmosis, and seems 
to act on every part. The flesh appeared moist and 
natural in color. The viscera had not been removed, as 
has to be done in ordinary embalming. 

This discovery is quite simple in the means employed, 
rapid in the time required, and requires no expert to ap¬ 
ply it. The natural appearance is not dried out of the 
body, nor is it mutilated. This subject has been critical¬ 
ly examined by several members of the medical faculty 
of this city, -who concur in the expression of their satis¬ 
faction at the result of their examination, which was con¬ 
ducted in a thorough manner. 


SUCCESSES IN ST. LOUIS AND NEW YOKE. 


During tlie latter part of 1877, Dr. Dodgers preserved 
several bodies for transportation from San Francisco to 
the East, and received grateful letters from the friends of 
the deceased. About that time he entered into copart¬ 
nership with gentlemen who believed that New York was 
the business centre of the United States, and that the 
fluid should be manufactured and sold at that city. 
The fluid was christened Allekton, and Dr. Dodgers 
started East with it. He was persuaded to stop at St. 
Louis long enough to prove the value of his discovery 
there. At the St. Louis Hospital three bodies were pre¬ 
served in October, 1877, and in January, 1878, several 
physicians testified to their perfect preservation. 

Arriving in New York January, 1878, the Doctor was 
obliged to again commence his warfare against skepti¬ 
cism, and demonstrate over and over again what he had 
already proven in San Francisco and St. Louis. During 
the summer of 1878 the New York press gave evidence 
of the progress made in convincing professional men 
and undertakers in this city. The New York Herald, of 
August 2d, referred to an “Exhibition at the rooms of Mr. 
Merritt” of Dr. Dodgers’ “Demarkable Contribution to 
Science.” The New York Sun of the same date described 
“Experiments with a Fluid that Arrests Decay at almost 
any Stage,” and the New York Star declared in head¬ 
lines : “The Ancient Egyptians Outdone in Process of 
Embalming.” 

NEVER A FAILURE ! 

It is worthy of remark that in no instance was a failure 
reported • this is the more remarkable in view of the fact 
that several very severe tests were made. The Boston 
Advertiser in commenting upon demonstrations given in 
that city said : “It is claimed, and from what we have 
seen, with good reason, that Allekton will preserve bodies 


6 


SEVERE TESTS AND NO FAILURE. 


in a flexible condition after death indefinitely, and will 
arrest and prevent decay. A body was furnished which 
had beeen buried over two weeks. The Allekton was at 
once applied, and with such success that all decay was 
arrested. Eleven days after it was in as good condition 
as when received, and it was apparent to any one that 
decay had been arrested, and all poisonous gases de-' 
stroyed. It was a severe test, and failure would not have 
been astonishing, as decay had already worked its way 
largely.” 

Perhaps an equally severe test of Allekton was its ap¬ 
plication to the body of Benjamin C. Portor, member of 
the theatrical profession, who was murdered in Texas 
and brought to this city—a week’s.trip. The undertaker, 
Mr. Jonas Scott, of 227 Bowery, and the committee in 
charge of the obsequies, found the body ‘ ‘ far advanced 
in decomposition in fact unrecognizable—“the face 
nearly as black as a Negro.” These gentlemen gratefully 
testified that after the body had been treated by Dr. 
Rodgers the offensive odor was destroyed, decomposition 
arrested, the body was made presentable to the friends 
of the deceased, and “all who witnessed the improve¬ 
ment were utterly astonished.” 

In August, 1878, Dr. Rodgers was requested to use his 
fluid upon the body of Otto Berger, a German of high 
descent who had died in poverty, the body being at the 
New York City Morgue. There it has remained ever 
since exposed to the air, and neither acted upon by it or 
imparting any odor to it. In April, 1879, eight months 
after death and preservation, Mr. A. N. White, keeper of 
the morgue, wrote that the body was then in a perfect 
state of preservation, and he further said : “I freely as¬ 
sert that Allekton is by far the most successful agent for 
jtreserving the dead that has ever been brought to my 
notice.” 


DR. RODGERS’ LATEST DISCOVERY. 


7 


Tlie body above referred to still remains at the morgue 
jn this city (Nov., 1879.) as well preserved as ever, ex¬ 
posed as it has been for fifteen months to the air, heat 
and dampness of the morgue. It is the best case on record, 
and can be seen by those who will take the trouble to go 
and see for themselves “the wonder that has been 
wrought. ” 

Dr. Rodgers’ forte being in chemistry and physiology, 
he made an undoubted success of his new process, but 
having no liking for business details he parted with a 
portion of his interest in Allekton to persons whom he 
thought competent to carry on the business of supplying 
the fluid. During the few spring months of this year, 
(1879), when Allekton was to be obtained, several hun¬ 
dred gallons of it were sold, but Allekton with all its 
virtues had one vice—its odor, which was irrepressible, 
undisguisable and to many people very disagreeable. 
In view of this objectionable feature it is somewhat sur¬ 
prising that it came into favor as it did, but it met so 
general and imperative a want that many were ready to 
forgive its odor. What its friends may be less willing 
to forgive and forget was the bad management which led 
to the failure of the Allekton company, and the conse¬ 
quent impossibility of obtaining the article itself. Dr. 
Rodgers was of course much embarrassed mentally as 
financially by this unfortunate turn of affairs, but. after 
a plucky and persevering effort managed to clear him¬ 
self of the unfortunate entanglements, and at the same 
time busied himself in the search for a combination 
which should be able to do all that Allekton did and yet 
be free from its one serious objection. In this he has 
also succeeded, and the new combination has therefore 
been named the Perfect Preservative Fluid. It is this—- 
his latest discovery—which he has placed in the hands 
of the New York Sanitary Company, the arrangement 


8 


A NEW DISPENSATION. 


being one which will fairly and proportionately recom¬ 
pense the earnest worker for the time and money he has 
expended and the grand good he has accomplished for 
his fellow beings. 

THE NEW YOKE SANITARY COMPANY 
was organized Nov. 9, 1879, and has not therefore been 
in active operation long enough to have obtained the 
abundant testimonials as to the value of the Perfect Pre¬ 
servative Fluid which are sure to come from those who 
give it a trial. The gentlemen forming the company did 
not of course invest their capital in this business, pay 
a large sum to the discoverer for the formula, etc., and 
set in operation the machinery necessary for the produc¬ 
tion of the fluid, without good evidence of its being 
able to do all that is claimed for it. Those who have taken 
time to read the brief history we give of Dr. Rodgers’ 
studies and experiments will understand the reasons 
we had for believing him capable of such a wonderful 
discovery. Further on we give a copy of a letter which 
was addressed by Dr. Rodgers to those who were mainly 
instrumental in the organization of the company, and 
immediately after it we quote the letter cf an undertaker 
in Brooklyn, Mr. John Bennett, a gentleman of the solid 
American type who, though careful to consider and in¬ 
vestigate a new thing of this kind, is quick to appreciate 
its merits when proven, knows its business value and 
how to make himself popular by putting it in practice. 
It was largely upon his sober good j udgment of the prac¬ 
tical utility of the new fluid in the undertaking business, 
that we were able to come to an opinion as to its monetary 
value, and make satisfactory arrangements with the dis¬ 
coverer by which the New York Sanitary Company be¬ 
comes the sole proprietors and manufacturers of the 
Perfect Preservative Fluid. 



( IMPORTANT LETTERS. 


9 


LETTER OF DR. RODGERS : 

Gentlemen : New York City, October 31, 1879. 

For several years I have devoted a large share of my 
attention to the study of antiseptics, disinfectants, etc., 
with the hope of discovering a combination that would 
serve to preserve meat fresh for food. Some three years 
ago I hit upon a combination by which I could preserve 
animal tissues from decomposition by outward applica¬ 
tion. This discovery finally developed into the surface 
process for the preservation of the dead, which the press, 
from California to New York, declared to be “wonder¬ 
ful,” “remarkable,” and which physicians, medical 
teachers and experienced undertakers declared to be im¬ 
possible, until by repeated demonstrations I convinced 
them of the fact that my fluid would, if properly ap¬ 
plied, preserve bodies an indefinite time, arrest decom¬ 
position when far advanced, restore and improve the 
natural color of the skin, and destroy the contagion of 
infectious diseases. Thousands of experiments preceded 
the discovery of the right combination, and thousands of 
dollars were spent in proving its value, but the evidence 
which has accumulated in its favor is now overwhelm¬ 
ing and cannot be denied. 

The objectionable odor of Allekton led me to carry 
my investigations further, and after several months of 
costly experiment I have discovered a new combination 
which I cannot but regard as the “Perfect Preservative 
Fluid ” for this purpose, inasmuch as it has proved on 
sufficient trial to be the best combination I have yet test¬ 
ed for preserving by outward application, and its odor 
could not be objected to by the most fastidious. It is 
this fluid of which I purpose to sell you the formula and 
exclusive right on the terms already proposed. 

Yours truly,. SAMUEL RODGERS, M. D. 

LETTER OF MR. JOHN BENNETT : 

Dr. Rodgers : 127 Division Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Bear Sir: My desire to find some practicable substi¬ 
tute for the troublesome process of packing in ice led 
me long ago to try your novel process of surface appli¬ 
cation, and I found your fluid called Allekton to be just 
the thing, so far as success in preserving the body is con- 


10 


IMPORTANT LETTERS. 


cerned. There was, however, an objectionable and per¬ 
sistent odor about it which, to some extent, impaired its 
value and limited its usefulness. Within the last three 
months I have been using your new preservative fluid, 
and find it all that could be desired. In comparison 
with Allekton it is odorless, for what little smell it has is 
rather agreeable than otherwise. The only objection to 
this most valuable process being now removed, I shall 
continue to use it whenever opportunity offers, and trust 
others may derive as much satisfaction from its use as I 
have. JOHN BENNETT. 

LETTER FROM MR. MERRITT. 

No. 210 8th Avenue, New York, Dec. 11, 1879. 

New Yoke Sanitary Co. : [ 

Gentlemen : ) 

We have not been able as yet to give your Perfect Pre¬ 
servative Fluid very many trials, but so far, in a few test 
cases, it has fully carried out all that you promised for it. 

We have lately preserved an autopsied case, which was 
subsequently sent to Massachusetts, and the result gave 
great satisfaction to the friends who viewed the body as 
well as to ourselves. Yours, &c., 

STEPHEN MERRITT. 

Those familiar with such matters know the impossi¬ 
bility of preserving bodies that have been subjected to 
post mortem examination by any method of embalming 
which requires the injection of the arterial system. The 
new process can be implicitly relied upon in all such 
cases as well as in every other case that undertakers may 
be called upon to attend to. 


The Perfect Preservative Fluid, 

THE LATEST DISCOVERY OF 

DR. SAMUEL RODGERS. 

WHAT IS IT? 

The Perfect Preservative Fluid is clear and almost 
colorless, having a slight amber-yellow tinge, and flows 
like water, though its specific gravity is somewhat 
greater than that of water. Its odor is slight—the fra¬ 
grance of certain perfumes predominating. Its taste 

is sharp or hot, but this is not due to the presence of 
either acid or alkali. 

IT IS NOT POISONOUS 

in the ordinary acceptation of that term, and does not 
contain any of the mineral or inorganic poisons which 
form the basis of almost all the embalming preparations 
hitherto used, such as arsenic and its salts, copper and 
its salts, caustic alkalies, corroding acids, etc. It is not 
of course intended for internal administration to the 
living, but if accidentally swallowed would not be likely 
to do more harm than an equal quantity of turpentine 
or other drugs used in medicine and not labeled 
“poison” when dispensed by druggists, though in large 
dose their effect would be poisonous. 


12 


WHAT IT WILL DO. 


If properly applied to the bodies of the dead (accord¬ 
ing to the methods hereinafter explained) it will pre¬ 
serve them from decay by preventing those fermenta¬ 
tive processes which cause decomposition and discolora¬ 
tion, which often necessitate immediate burial, and the 
exclusion of the remains from the sight of the living. 

It will 7'estore the natural appearance after spots of dis¬ 
coloration have made the face unsightly, and destroy the 
offensive odors developed by several days of putrefaction. 

It will destroy germs of contagious diseases , and thus make 
it possible for friends to attend the funeral, and even 
take a farewell look of the remains of a person that has 
died of diphtheria, small pox, yellow fever, scarlet fever, 
or any other disease of similar nature or origin. 

It icill supersede icing , for its results are flu* superior 
to those obtained by the process of icing ; it will pre¬ 
serve infinitely longer and more perfectly, and is less 
troublesome and less expensive. 

It will supersede embalming, for bodies can be preserv¬ 
ed better and longer by it than by any process of em¬ 
balming, not excepting those which require the injection 
of the arterial system, or the removal of the contents of 
the skull, chest and abdomen. Yet its thorough appli¬ 
cation for the purpose of preparing bodies to keep for 
years does not require an intricate knowledge of anato¬ 
my, nor a single cut of the skin which could be regarded 
as mutilation. 

It will permanently preserve all animal tissues to which it 
is properly applied, and if used in the preparation of 
animals or birds for ornament or instruction, which can 
even be done without evisceration, it will protect them 
from the depredations of insects, as well as preserve 
the skin, hair, feathers, etc., without discoloration. 


HOW IT IS APPLIED. 


13 

First, the Perfect Preservative Fluid is merely used as 
a wash for the surface of the body, but for convenience 
of application it is put on by means of a broad flat brush, 
every inch of the surface being well touched with it. 
The fluid immediately penetrates the tissues, and leaves 
no coating upon the surface. In ten minutes a second 
application can be given if necessary, as when a long 
preservation is desired. When the weather is cool and 
it is not expected to retain the body more than two or 
three days, this washing or brushing of the surface may 
be sufficient; but in warm seasons and climates and 
when the body is to be transported to any distance, then 
in addition to the surface application the fluid is thor¬ 
oughly injected into the cavities of the chest and abdo¬ 
men, which is easily accomplished by our patent needle, 
which is so shaped that it can carry the fluid to all parts 
necessary to be reached, and yet leaves no trace of its 
point of entrance. 

Ordinarily it is applied within twelve hours after 
death, but when death has occurred from apoplexy, 
dropsy, alcoholism, contagious diseases, or child-birth, 
J t is best to apply the fluid at the earliest possible mo¬ 
ment, and such cases are apt to require more thorough 
treatment, and a larger quantity of fluid than others ; 
but whenever rapid decomposition is to be feared the 
fluid may be relied upon as far more certain than freez¬ 
ing, and will permit of a longer delay of burial. 

Further instructions as to the details of the process 
will be sent to all who wish to give the fluid a trial. In 
this place it may be well to remark that the usual quan¬ 
tity required to preserve effectually is about one gallon ; 
some small bodies not taking so much, and some very 
large and fleshy needing more. 


14 


WHY IT IS USEFUL. 


Having so fully stated what this remarkable fluid will 
accomplish, and explained the simplicity of the process, 
its wide range of usefulness is readily apparent, but to 
one class in particular must its virtues recommend it— 
we refer to those engaged in the business of undertaking. 
Everywhere and in all seasons undertakers have had to 
contend with the one great foe, decay ; and not until 
comparatively recently have they been offered any re¬ 
liable and satisfactory method for preventing decay. 
The familiar process of icing certainly cannot be con¬ 
sidered satisfactory, nor will it retard decay effectually 
as long as is often desired. In many localities ice can¬ 
not be obtained. 

From time to time various new preparations for em¬ 
balming have been introduced and declared by their in¬ 
ventors to be just the thing so long looked for ; but each 
has had its objectionable features ; many have utterly 
failed to do what was claimed for them ; some have been 
too complicated and difficult of application, and others 
have left the body discolored and unpresentable. Dr. 
Samuel Rodgers was the first to solve the problem by 
the discovery of a fluid which was effectual beyond all 
others, and simple of application, yet its odor was so 
disagreeable to many as to constitute an “objectionable 
feature ” and hinder its universal use ; but the Doctor 
knew he was upon the right track, and after several 
months of experimentation has been able to produce a 
fluid without objectionable odor—in fact an odor which 
to many persons is quite agreeable. 

This Perfect Preservative Fluid, to which we now re¬ 
fer, is death to decay, and therefore the greatest boon yet 
offered to those engaged in the business of undertaking, 
as well as to all who are left to mourn the loss of 
friends. 


HOW TO OBTAIN IT. 


15 


Among the objectionable features connected with new 
processes of embalming hitherto offered have been the 
exhorbitant charges for the right to use such new meth¬ 
ods, processes or fluids. Many an undertaker has paid 
one hundred or maybe several hundred dollars, for the 
privilege of employing some process or fluid which has 
appeared to be all right on short acquaintance, but which 
subsequently proved to be impracticable, or maybe un¬ 
obtainable. 

The Perfect Preservative Fluid may be obtained from 
the New York Sanitary Company, at five dollars per gal¬ 
lon, and every gallon sold conveys with it the right to 
use it. Knowing that the fluid will do all we claim for 
it, we shall base our business on sales of the fluid itself, 
being confident that those who will do us the favor to give 
it a trial will remain permanent customers, but should 
any be dissatisfied they will lose only the small cost of 
the first trial, and not be from fifty to five hundred dol¬ 
lars out of pocket paid for the privilege of using some¬ 
thing they don't want. 

The manufacture of the fluid being somewhat tedious 
and difficult, and the materials themselves expensive, 
the price must at the outset be five dollars per gallon; 
but our sentiment is in favor of the “greatest good to 
the greatest number, ” and the price will be lowered if 
the methods of manufacture can be simplified. 

We warrant that all fluid sent out closed by our seal 
shall be uniform and reliable; all of first quality as re¬ 
gards excellence, power, color, odor, etc. 

We expect that in course of time we shall have to con¬ 
tend with imitations, but none need be misled who will 
address all orders to the New York Sanitary Company, 
129 East 28th street, and accept no fluid without our 
label or seal, as upon the title page. 


16 


THE AETICLES EEQUIEED 


for tlie thorough application of the Perfect Preservative 
Fluid are a flat, broad brush, our patent needle, and a 
syringe by which to force the fluid into the cavities. It 
is also well to be supplied with a pair of rubber gloves, 
as the fluid deprives the hands for a time of their natural 
moisture. 

We will supply the brush, syringe and gloves for five 
dollars—simply their cost. The needle wdll remain our 
property, and be loaned at the nominal price of one dol¬ 
lar per year, the loan to be continued as long as the les¬ 
see continues in business and uses the Perfect Preserva¬ 
tive Fluid ; but the needle remaining the property of the 
New York Sanitary Company is not to be sold or trans¬ 
ferred to another party without our consent, and if dam¬ 
aged must be returned to us to be replaced by another. 


SPECIAL NOTICE. 

This pamphlet was prepared for distribution only 
among undertakers, but we shall soon have ready another 
of the same size which can be put in the hands of the 
general public. It will be carefully written with a view 
to render the new process of preservation of the dead 
more acceptable than icing, which it certainly must be to 
all reasoning people. Undertakers who adopt our pro¬ 
cess will find the aforesaid pamphlet convenient for an¬ 
swering the numerous inquiries which will be made con¬ 
cerning it. 



A TIMELY CAUTION. 


New Yoke, December 8, 1879. 

New York Sanitary Co. : ) 

Gentlemen : j 

I am informed that certain parties in this city are 
using the reputation of Allekton, and even its pamphlet 
testimonials, to effect the sale of a poisonous preparation 
similar in its composition to the ordinary embalming 
fluids. 

It is hardly likely that many will be deceived by so 
evident an imposition, but injustice to myself and for 
the protection of others, I feel impelled to make the pub¬ 
lic declaration, that while I am willing to stake my repu¬ 
tation as a Chemist and Physiologist upon the preserva¬ 
tive powers of either Allekton or the Perfect Preservative 
Fluid, I cannot be held responsible for the failure to pre¬ 
serve, or the injurious effect upon the living, of baseless 
imitations of my discoveries. After this warning those 
who place any reliance on such imitations can have only 
themselves to blame if the experiment proves disastrous. 

Yours Very Truly, 

SAMUEL RODGERS, M. D. 


The Perfect Preservative Fluid, 

BY DR. RODGERS’ PROCESS OF 

SURFACE APPLICATION, WITHOUT MUTILATION, 

IS THE 

ONLY METHOD 

WHICH CAN BE RELIED UPON TO PRODUCE 

IN ALL CLIMATES AND IN ALL SEASONS 

LIFE-LIKE PRESERVATION, 

PERMANENT PRESERVATION. 

IT PREVENTS DECAY, 

KILLS CONTAGION, 

DESTROYS FOUL ODORS. 
-o—o- 

THE ONLY ABSOLUTELY RELIABLE 
SUBSTITUTE FOR ICING 
AND EMBALMING. 

-o—o- 

THE ONLY RIVAL OF CREMATION ’ 

AS A 

SAFEGUARD AGAINST “GRAVEYARD EPIDEMICS.” 

-o—o- 

MANUFACTURED AND SOLD BY 

THE NEW YORK SANITARY COMPANY, 

No. 129 East 28th Street, 


NEW YORK CITY. 








